1994 Penfolds Trial Bin Semillon

BACKGROUNDThe Penfolds premium white wine project was launched in 1993, and the 1994 Trial Bin Semillon is a result of that process. Winemakers had at their disposal parcels of the best Semillon fruit, of which 66% was sourced from Adelaide Hills and 34% from McLaren Vale. The wine was fermented in barrel on least lees and oak matured for 5 months in new and 1 year old oak barriques.

VINTAGE CONDITIONSThe cool dry season in the Adelaide Hills contributed to almost perfect ripening conditions for Semillon, whereas, McLaren Vale experienced mild conditions and good rainfall.

TASTING NOTEBright pale gold / deep straw colour, showing signs of bottle development. The nose is very grassy, with classic ‘snow pea’ and asparagus aroma over a herbaceous background – a nose that could easily be mistaken for a Sancerre. The palate is again very distinct with full bodied structure and distinct flavour of ‘snow pea’ over a very dry grassy background. Crisp acid finish, followed by long grassy herbaceous aftertaste. Cellar 3-4 years.

RATING: 89/100

VALUE: XXX/5